State of Minnesota
Minnesota is a state in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario to the north and east and by the US states of Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, and North Dakota and South Dakota to the west. It is the 12th-largest US state in area covering over 225,000 km2 (c. 80,000 square miles) and the 22nd-most populous, with about 5.8 million residents. Minnesota is known as the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’ and actually has 14,420 bodies of fresh water covering at least ten acres each. Roughly a third of the state is forested. Much of the remainder is prairie and farmland. More than 60% of Minnesotans, c.3.8 million, live in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, known as the ‘Twin Cities’, the state’s main political, economic, and cultural hub – with Saint Paul being the state capital. Other minor metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas include Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, and St. Cloud.
Minnesota’s portion of Lake Superior is the largest body of water at 389,600 hectares; (3,896 km2) and deepest (at 390 m). The state has 6,564 natural rivers and streams that cumulatively flow for 111,000 km (69,000 miles). The Mississippi River begins its journey from its headwaters at Lake Itasca and crosses the Iowa border (1,090 km (680 miles) downstream. It is joined by the Minnesota River at Fort Snelling, by the St. Croix River near Hastings, by the Chippewa River at Wabasha, and by many smaller streams. The Red River drains the northwest part of the state northward toward Canada’s Hudson Bay. Approximately 4,300,000 ha (43,000 km2) of wetlands are within Minnesota’s borders, the most of any state outside Alaska.
Voyageurs National Park – ©Yinan Chen Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Much of the state is a gently rolling peneplain. Much of Minnesota’s northern forest has undergone logging, leaving only a few patches of old growth forest today in areas such as the Chippewa National Forest and the Superior National Forest, where the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has some 162,000 hectares of unlogged land. Although logging continues, regrowth and replanting keep about a third of the state forested. Nearly all Minnesota’s prairies and oak savannas have been fragmented by farming, grazing, logging, and suburban development.
Minnesota has four ecological types: prairie parkland, in the southwestern and western parts of the state; the eastern broadleaf forest (Big Woods) in the southeast, extending in a narrowing strip to the state’s northwestern part, where it transitions into tallgrass aspen parkland; and the northern Laurentian mixed forest, a transitional forest between the northern boreal forest and the broadleaf forests to the south. These northern forests are a vast wilderness of pine and spruce trees mixed with patchy stands of birch and poplar.
While loss of habitat has affected native animals such as Pine Marten, Elk, Woodland Caribou and Bison, others like Whitetail Deer and Bobcat thrive. Minnesota has the nation’s largest population of Timber Wolves outside Alaska, and supports healthy populations of Black Bears, Moose, and Gophers. Located on the Mississippi Flyway, Minnesota hosts migratory waterfowl such as geese and ducks, and game birds such as grouse, pheasants, and turkeys. It is home to many birds of prey, including the largest number of breeding pairs of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states, Red-tailed Hawks, and Snowy Owls. Hawk Ridge is one of the premier birdwatching sites in North America. The lakes teem with sport fish such as walleye, bass, muskellunge, and northern pike, while brook, brown, and rainbow trout populate streams in the southeast and northeast.
Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The growing season varies from 90 days in the far northeast to 160 days in southeast Minnesota near the Mississippi River. Average temperatures range from 3 to 9 °C. Average summer dewpoints range from about 14 °C in the south to about 9 °C in the north. Average annual precipitation ranges from 19 to 35 inches. Droughts occur every 10 to 50 years.
Itasca State Park – ©Crown Star Images, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Minnesota’s first state park, Itasca State Park, was established in 1891, and is the source of the Mississippi River. There are 72 state parks and recreation areas, 58 state forests covering about 16,000 km2, and numerous state wildlife preserves, all managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Chippewa and Superior national forests comprise 22,000 km2. The Superior National Forest in the northeast contains the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which encompasses over a million acres (4,000 km2) and a thousand lakes. To its west is Voyageurs National Park. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) is a 116 km corridor along the Mississippi River through the Minneapolis–St. Paul Metropolitan Area connecting a variety of sites of historic, cultural, and geologic interest.
Birding Minnesota
(This birding section was written in the Winter of 2000-2001)
Birding in Minnesota is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who are willing to put up with some inconvenience, the rewards can be great. If you are not afraid of bone-numbing cold in the winter or black flies, mosquitoes, ticks, etc. in the warm weather, the birding is wonderful. Do dress in layers and equip your car properly for the cold. Carry a winter survival kit. This should include a cell phone so that you are able to summon help if necessary. Keep in mind that temperatures along the shore of Lake Superior can be quite cool even in summer. Also keep in mind that several million people live in Minnesota throughout the year without succumbing to the cold. The process of natural selection weeds out those who choose to walk on thin ice or drive snowmobiles into poles while inebriated.
Although there may be people who would disagree with me, here are a few of my favourite birding locations in the state.
The area in and around Duluth is beautiful and always productive. Thirty miles north of Duluth, the Sax-Zim Bog is an area where many boreal species may be found throughout the year. Great-gray owls, Gray Jays, Boreal Chickadees and nesting Connecticut Warblers are highlights. During invasion years one can expect reports of Boreal Owls and Northern Hawk Owls as well. Most winters it is possible to find at least one Snowy Owl in the Duluth harbour area. The winter of 2001 a Gyrfalcon took up residence along with a (lost) Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. Northern Shrikes, redpolls and winter finches are plentiful in this area as well. The vistas along the shore of Lake Superior are magnificent. There are many boreal species which rarely occur in the United States which are regularly seen here. In Duluth the roads are meticulously cleared of snow. Roads in the Sax-Zim Bog area as well as state highways are also well maintained. This is not necessarily true in more remote areas.
The View from Hawk Ridge – ©Randen Pederson, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
In the fall, Hawk Ridge in Duluth is a hot spot for sighting migrating raptors. It is possible to view the birds from very near the car, but the area is not paved. The terrain would be difficult, but not impossible for most wheelchairs, and, but at least, one does not need to go more than a few feet from the car. There is a naturalist and official counter at the ridge. From time to time birds are brought from the nearby banding centre, and educational talks are given. Owls are banded every evening in the fall, and raptors are banded during the day. Many passerines are banded here as well. Highlights at Hawk Ridge include: Bald and Golden Eagles, Northern Goshawks and Rough-legged Hawks. On a day with strong north-west winds, it is sometimes possible to see 20,000 to 30,000 birds in a day. Take a comfortable chair. Accessible rest-room facilities may be found in the fast-food restaurants along London Road, about 15 minutes from here.
The Gunflint Trail originates in Grand Marais, about 30 miles from the Canadian border, and it is well-paved road for a distance of some 50 miles. This is another prime birding location with many of the boreal species found in Duluth. Three-toed Woodpeckers and Black-backed Woodpeckers are regularly found here.
In the south-eastern part of Minnesota, the birding along the Mississippi River is very good, and there are many places where birds may be viewed from the car. This is also a very beautiful drive. The birding locations here are far too numerous to list here.
For those who are flying into the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul); there are numerous locations in the metropolitan area where birds may be found. The Carpenter Nature Centre in Hastings has wheel-chair accessible trails. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has its headquarters only five minutes from the airport.
Bass Ponds, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge – ©USFWSmidwest, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
You may borrow a wheelchair to view the area around the headquarters building. In Dakota County, migrating shorebirds may been seen at the sod farms, the many miles of farm roads are full of birds, and there are some very productive marshes. The Murphy-Hanrehan and Carlos Avery refuges may be birded from the car. In the winter you will find many species of waterfowl at the Blue Lake Sewage Treatment ponds in Scott County. (Keep in mind that there are very few places in Minnesota with open water during the winter. Waterfowl, eagles, etc. will be concentrated in those areas.) I do not recommend the Black Dog Lake area to birders with disabilities, even though it is one such place. The only way to get to the open water is to walk over very difficult ground in winter. In any other season, Black Dog Road is well worth the ride, as many birds may be seen along the road.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service publishes a pamphlet which lists the features of each of the National Wildlife Refuges. Many of these have driving tour routes, and these should all be of interest to birders with disabilities. Several of these are located in Minnesota. In addition, most of Minnesota’s State Parks have paved roads into areas where birds are plentiful. All of these locations have accessible rest-room facilities as well.
I would encourage anyone who is planning a visit to Minnesota to purchase a copy of Kim Eckert’s comprehensive book, A Birder’s Guide to Minnesota. I cannot begin to do justice to all of the birding locations in Minnesota, but this volume will serve you well. There is also a wealth of information on the website of the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union.
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Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail Map
PDF Trail MapThe 200-mile trail in Minnesota offers unique changes in biomes found nowhere else in the continental United States. -
The Iron Trail
WebsiteThe Iron Trail is located in Northeastern Minnesota - it now has a new bird & wildlife watching brochure. For your free brochure, e-mail them with your name & address. You can also contact them on 800-777-8497 or itcvb@cpinternet.com
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Number of bird species: 458
(As at October 2024)State Bird - Common Loon (aka Great Northern Diver) Gavia immer
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Avibase
PDF ChecklistThis checklist includes all bird species found in Minnesota , based on the best information available at this time. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. I am pleased to offer these checklists as a service to birdwatchers. If you find any error, please do not hesitate to report them. -
Minnesota Ornithologists' Union
PDF ChecklistChecklist -
Zumbro Valley Audubon
PDF ChecklistThis checklist was created by Bob Ekblad. The checklist can be folded in thirds in a "Z" configuration for easier use. With the back side facing up, fold the first column of the front page back to the line near the bottom between the first two columns of the back page. Then make the second fold to match the width of the others. -
eBird
PDF ChecklistThis checklist is generated with data from eBird (ebird.org), a global database of bird sightings from birders like you. If you enjoy this checklist, please consider contributing your sightings to eBird. It is 100% free to take part, and your observations will help support birders, researchers, and conservationists worldwide.
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A Birder's Guide to Minnesota
| By Kim R Eckert | Stone Ridge Press | 2023 | Edition 5 | Spiralbound | 472 pages, 180 colour photos, 100 maps | ISBN: 9781735349916 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
A Manual for the Identification of the Birds of Minnesota and Neighboring States
| By Thomas S Roberts | University of Minnesota Press | 1932 | Paperback | 296 pages, 123 illustrations | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780816601172 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
ABA Field Guide to Birds of Minnesota
| By Laura Erickson & Brian E Small | Scott & Nix, Inc | 2016 | Paperback | 400 pages, colour photos | ISBN: 9781935622598 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birding Minnesota
| By Jay Michael Strangis | Falcon Press | 1996 | Paperback | 250 pages, B&W Phots, Maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9781560444251 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds in Minnesota
| By Robert B Janssen | University of Minnesota Press | 2020 | Edition 2 | Paperback | 375 pages, Maps | ISBN: 9781517907013 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of Minnesota Field Guide
| By Stan Tekiela | Adventure Publications | 2019 | Edition 3 | Paperback | 328 pages, colour photos, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9781591938972 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of Minnesota State Parks
| By Robert B Janssen & Carrol L Henderson | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | 2015 | Paperback | 222 pages, colour photos, colour maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780975433881 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of Minnesota and Wisconsin
| By Bob Janssen, Daryl Tessen & Gregory Kennedy | Lone Pine Publishing | 2003 | Paperback | 376 pages, illustrations, map | ISBN: 9781551053240 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of Voyageurs National Park
| (A Guide to the Minnesota-Ontario Border Country) | Voyageurs Regional National Park Association | 2001 | Paperback | 126 pages, colour photos | ISBN: 9780816638994 Buy this book from NHBS.com
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Festival of Birds in Detroit Lakes
WebpageThe 28th annual Festival of Birds is scheduled for May 15-17, 2025. You’ll want to hear captivating presentations by Rebecca Heisman and Carrol Henderson. Save the dates!
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Carpenter Nature Center
Observatory WebsiteSatellite ViewCarpenter Nature Center staff and volunteers have been banding birds since 1981. -
Hawk Ride Bird Observatory
Observatory WebsiteSatellite ViewThe mission of the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is to protect birds of prey and other migratory birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship. Hawk Ridge is now known as one of the major sites for observation of raptor migration. Visitors come from all over the world in the fall. Indeed, our guest register has entries from thousands of visitors who have come from all 50 states and from over 40 foreign countries. -
Lowry Nature Centre - Three Rivers Park
Observatory WebsiteSatellite ViewNature's Classroom for 50 Years: Bird Banding at Lowry Nature Center -
Quarry Hill Nature Center
Observatory WebsiteSatellite ViewLearn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how we safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. -
Sugarloaf: The North Shore Stewardship Association
Observatory WebsiteSatellite ViewTake a much closer look at songbirds! We will be banding birds and monitoring the populations of songbirds that nest and travel through Sugarloaf Cove and adding to the growing research on North Shore birds.
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Raptor Center of the University of Minnesota
WebpageEstablished in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center rehabilitates around 1,000 sick and injured raptors each year, while helping to identify emerging environmental issues related to raptor health and populations.
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Agassiz Audubon Society
WebsitePassion is good for you. Studies show following your passion can lead to a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life. Put your passion for nature to work - join us! -
Albert Lea Audubon Society
WebsiteWe have been an official chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1948. Our goal is to educate people, young and old, about the wonders of nature. Most folks connect Audubon to birds and that’s fine. But, we are so much more! Birds need clean air and water, and a favorable habitat to survive, just like us. In working to provide good habitat for birds, we will inevitably improve our own “habitat”. -
Audubon Society in Minnesota
WebpageOffices & Chapters; Centers & Sanctuaries & Upcoming Events -
Audubon Upper Mississippi River
WebsiteAudubon believes that what is good for birds is good for people, too, including healthy habitats, clean water, and clean air. We deliver conservation results by focusing on programs supported by science, education, and advocacy. -
Brainerd Lakes Area Audubon Society
Facebook PageAs an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society, BLAAS will foster and advocate for the conservation and restoration of bird populations and other wildlife and their habitat, encourage grassroots action on conservation issues, and develop and implement educational programs, all with a special emphasis on the aquatic resources of the great Brainerd Lakes Area… -
Central Minnesota Audubon Society
Facebook PageThe Central Minnesota Audubon Society (CMAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. CMAS was founded in 1980 and has over 450 members. -
Coulee Region Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Audubon Society's local chapter in N.E. Iowa, S.E. Minnesota and S.W. Wisconsin provides environmental and wildlife field trips free of charge… -
Duluth Audubon Society
WebsiteOur mission is to promote education, conservation, and research focused on birds and to preserve and enhance the ecological diversity of the greater Duluth area. -
Fargo-Moorhead Audubon Society
InformationThe chapter meets at the Moorhead Public Library one Thursday evening each month from October through April. The agenda often includes a featured speaker, photo sharing, and announcements of various sorts; it is free and open to the public. During the summer months the chapter sponsors a field trip to local and regional birding destinations in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. -
Friends of Sax-Zim Bog
WebsiteProtecting the SAX-ZIM BOG for future generations of birds & birders. -
Land of Lakes Bird Alliance
WebsiteThe mission of the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis is to inform and educate our members and the public about birds and other wildlife and the demands that a large metropolitan area puts on their habitat; to engage in advocacy to preserve; to protect and improve existing habitat; and to develop and maintain new bird and wildlife sanctuaries, including backyards, to enhance the human experience. -
Mankato Bird Club
WebsiteThe Mankato Bird Club is an organization of interested birders from south central Minnesota, primarily in the Mankato area. We hold meetings and sponsor field trips every month. Our field trips are great for both experienced birdwatchers and those new to the hobby. Attending field trips is a great way to get to know other birders and become familiar with the birds in the Mankato area. -
Minneapolis Audubon Chapter
WebsiteThe Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis is Minnesota's oldest and largest Audubon chapter. Our field trips and programs are free and open to the public. The mission of the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis is to inform and educate our members and the public about birds and other wildlife and the demands that a large metropolitan area puts on their habitat; to engage in advocacy to preserve; to protect and improve existing habitat; and to develop and maintain new bird and wildlife sanctuaries, including backyards, to enhance the human experience. -
Minnesota Bird Records Committee
WebsiteAn RQD enables birders to document unusual records for possible inclusion in the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union permanent file. Your submitted form will be evaluated by our Records Committee. If the record is significant, submitted details may be published in a future issue of our journal, The Loon -
Minnesota Ornithologists Union
WebsiteThe Minnesota Ornithologists Union is an organisation of both professionals and amateurs interested in birds. We foster the study of birds. We aim to create and increase public interest in birds. And we promote the preservation of bird life and its natural habitat. To carry out these aims, we publish a journal, The Loon, and a newsletter, Minnesota Birding… -
Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter
Facebook PageThe Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter (MRVAC) of the National Audubon Society was first organized on March 2, 1967. Our membership area spans the Minnesota River valley from Bloomington to Henderson, just to the south and west of Minneapolis-St. Paul. -
Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society's mission is to foster personal connections to and stewardship of our natural world. -
Nature Conservancy in Minnesota
WebsiteThe mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. For 60 years, we’ve been working in Minnesota to do just that. TNC owns and manages approximately 60,000 acres in Minnesota including more than 50 preserves that are open to the public. -
Prairie Lakes Audubon Chapter
Facebook PageRepresenting the National Audubon Society in West Central Minnesota. The Prairie Lakes Audubon Chapter is the local Chapter of National Audubon Society for anyone interested in birds, nature, and conservation within a 50 mile radius (flexible) of Alexandria, Minnesota. We have casual meetings monthly, with topics and knowledgeable speakers changing monthly. We also take at least one birding field trip each month. Please come and support the Chapter and get to meet fellow conservationist, birders and nature lovers. -
Saint Paul Bird Alliance
WebsiteThe Saint Paul Audubon Society is an all-volunteer non-profit organization founded more than 50 years ago. We are affiliated with the National Audubon Society. We work to preserve and protect the natural environment. We care about birds and other animals, including humans. All of our meetings and events are open to the public, and (except for multi-day tours and birdwatching classes) are free of charge. If you share our love for the beauty and wonder of nature, you are invited to take part in our events. And if you are concerned about the future of the natural world, please join us to help to make the world a better place for all creatures… -
Wild River Audubon Society
WebsiteWild River Audubon Society is a local chapter of Minnesota Audubon and National Audubon Society. Our membership area includes Chisago, Isanti, Northern Washington, and Southern Pine Counties. -
Winona Bird Club
Facebook PageWe meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 P.M. at the Red Wing Conservation and Izaak Walton Chapter 16 club house: 1010 East 5th st. Red Wing, Mn. -
Zumbro Valley Audubon Society
WebsiteWhat can we say, we're a group of people who are interested in nature - all of it. Some of us are professionals - most of us aren't. We share a common drive to see, learn and wonder about why things are the way they are. We've also discovered that we learn more - and have a lot of more fun - together. If you're curious - you'll fit right in!
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*Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas
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*Minnesota Wildlife Management Areas
InformationSatellite View -
BS Wetlands, Pines and Prairie Audubon Sanctuary
InformationSatellite ViewAn Environmental Education Center Located in Northwestern Minnesota. Operated by Agassiz Audubon Society. The Sanctuary consists of 800 acres of wildlife habitat. Its diverse landscape includes a blend of tree plantings, trails, observation overlooks, and wetlands and waterways. Part of an erosion-prone sand ridge (an ancient beach from glacial Lake Agassiz) has been planted to trees and shrubs. Native prairies have been restored and have effectively displaced weeds on retired farm fields… -
IBAs - Minnesota
WebpageSatellite ViewImportant Bird Areas (IBAs) provide essential habitat for one or more breeding, wintering, and/or migrating bird species. The IBA program is designed to be proactive, voluntary, participatory, science-based and works to identify, monitor and conserve the most essential habitats for birds. Read more about how we determine Minnesota's IBAs and how we use them to prioritize our work. -
NC North Woods Summer Camps
WebpageSatellite ViewThe Audubon Center of the North Woods is a private, non-profit residential environmental learning center (RELC), a wildlife rehabilitation facility, and conference & retreat center nestled on the shores of Grindstone Lake near Sandstone, MN in east-central Minnesota. Our diverse 535-acre sanctuary includes a variety of habitats, including old-growth red and white pines, hardwood forests, restored wetlands and prairies -
NC River Bend Nature Centre
WebsiteSatellite ViewRiver Bend Nature Centre is an 80-acre private nature centre in Racine. The grounds feature mainly floodplain forest and some upland forest, complemented by about four miles of mulched trails and boardwalks. The trails also include a bird blind and a hexagonal pavilion with a hearth. -
NC Springbrook Nature Center
WebsiteSatellite ViewSpringbrook Nature Center. A wonderful way to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Welcome to the Springbrook Nature Center web site. Our web site is updated weekly -visit us often! -
NP Voyageurs
WebpageSatellite ViewVoyageurs National Park, on the Minnesota-Ontario border, is beloved by campers, canoeists, kayakers, hikers, and especially, bird-watchers. Its solitude offers a relatively undisturbed habitat, and its unusually varied ecosystem-the open water of large lakes, wetlands, and upland forests-provides a unique home for its bird population. Indeed, Voyageurs encompasses some of the greatest diversity of bird life in North America with over one hundred species known to breed within the park and even more nonbreeding visitors… [It can only navigated by hiking and canoe] -
NWR Minnesota Valley
WebpageSatellite ViewBirdwatchers will want to take advantage of the myriad wildlife viewing opportunities at any of the numerous units of the Refuge… -
NWR Rydell
WebpageSatellite ViewHere at the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Minnesota, we have a very accessible trail system and facilities. We have 5 miles of paved trails with a very shallow grade, as well as a fishing pier that is wheelchair accessible… -
WA Three Rivers Park District
WebsiteSatellite ViewAt the Park District's three nature centers and select visitor centers, visitors can explore nature trails, join naturalist-led programs, view animals indoors and outside, discover interactive exhibits and check out self-guided adventures…
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MOU-NET
Mailing ListMailing List – Discussion Group - MOU-Net is an electronic mailing list made available to all persons interested in the birds of Minnesota. It is a place where birders can share their notable sightings with other interested people. MOU-Net is not meant to be a mailing list for posting every sighting; rather, look here for posts of observations that contribute to the understanding of the birds in the state. This includes sightings of birds that are unusual, in an unusual location or out of season, or present in significantly higher numbers than normally expected. To subscribe to this list, send the following e-mail message: (leave blank, or fill with blank spaces) Text: subscribe MOU-Net To unsubscribe, simply change text to unsubscribe MOU-Net. It is important that you include the name of the mailing list (MOU-Net) after "subscribe"; otherwise the software won`t know to which list you are subscribing. -
Minnesota Bird Reports
SightingsThis group is for sharing Minnesota bird observations of migrants and rare or uncommon birds. -
Minnesota Birding News
NewsA free service without advertisements from me that automatically provides updates to the user from the top Minnesota and American birding web sites and organizations. -
Minnesota Birding News App
SightingsComing to the Bog to enjoy some birding? Consider installing the free Minnesota Birding News App on your smartphone or tablet. -
Minnesota Rare Bird Alert
SightingsThis group is for the reporting of rare bird species in Minnesota. This includes birds that are listed as accidental, casual, out of range... -
eBird Minnesota Rare Bird Alert
SightingsThe report below shows observations of rare birds in Minnesota.
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Bird Treks
Tour OperatorBird Treks has been providing small group and custom birding tours for over 20 years. Visit their website to see the incredible tours available, including Sax Zim Bog for Great Gray Owl! Guaranteed Departure for January 2019! -
Birding Ecotours
Tour OperatorBirding Ecotours, a leader in small group and custom-made birding adventures worldwide, offers an amazing tour to northern Minnesota in January to seek out boreal species such as Pine Grosbeak, Black-backed Woodpecker, and Great Gray Owl! Guaranteed Departure for January 2019! -
Birding With Gregg
Local GuideSax-Zim Bog is a wonderful location for viewing northern specialty birds such as Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, Canada Jay (fka Gray Jay), Boreal Owl, Boreal Chickadee, Black-backed Woodpecker, and Common and Hoary Redpolls in the winter months. In the summer, the Bog is prime habitat for the breeding Connecticut Warblers and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, amongst many others! -
MN Backyard Birds - Guide - Judd Brink
Local GuideWelcome to MN Bird Guide. Judd Brink has been guiding for several years in central Minnesota. Our service provides guiding for birders and wildlife photographers to some of the best locations in the state. Many of our trips visit the boreal forests found in Aitkin County and the famous Sax-Zim Bog! What birds are on your bucket list to see or photograph or would be a life bird for you? Some of the birds requested by our clients include; Great-gray Owl, Boreal Chickadee, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Common Loon, Northern-hawk Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker and Connecticut Warbler. Please contact Judd Brink at (218) 838-4784 or email info@mnbirdguide.com to help plan your next birding trip. Happy Birding! -
Minnesota Birding Weekends
WebsiteMinnesota Birding Weekends & Weeks (MBW), as it begins its 32nd season, continues to offer unique, modestly priced birding trips in association with the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union (we originated back in 1986 as MOU Birding Weekends). After 31 years, we have now had a total of 389 MBWeekends, more than 8,600 registrations, and a composite list of 363 species seen within the state – and note that our modest MBWeekend fees are even lower than last season! -
Naturalist Journeys
Tour OperatorMinnesota: Winter Owling Tour -
Next Bend Birding Tours
Local Tour OperatorYear-round tours in the Sax-Zim Bog, throughout Minnesota, and nationwide. -
Red Hill Birding
Local Tour OperatorNortheast Minnesota epitomizes the winter wonderland that is the northwoods in winter. Snow-covered and frigid, there are many wonderful birds in a beautiful, peaceful environment. -
Rockjumper
Tour Operator -
Sabrewing Nature Tours
Tour OperatorMinnesota: Northwoods Winter Adventure -
Tropical Birding
Tour OperatorMinnesota Birding in the Winter -
Ventures Birding Tours
Tour OperatorOwls & Winter Finches -
WINGS
Tour OperatorThe wonders of the breeding season in Minnesota and North Dakota could well be the best kept secret in all of birding—and with our small group size, we plan to keep it that way! June landscapes are as lush as the birds are conspicuous. -
Wildside Nature Tours
Tour OperatorMINNESOTA: Winter Boreal Specialties
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2018 [02 February] - Brian Gibbons
ReportMeeting our first afternoon in Duluth, we had no idea it would be the warmest temperature of thetrip, a toasty 11° F. The next morning we would be shivering at -18° with a Black-backedWoodpecker in our sights. The remote Superior National Forest in Lake County would chill usmost deeply at -27°; who knows what the windchill was! But it was all well worth it. With agood owl year and a few others, we had an excellent trip through the North Woods with amazingscenery, great food, and some wonderful birds. -
2020 [01 January] - Birding Ecotours - Jacob Roalef
PDF ReportMinnesota in January is the picture-perfect winter wonderland with snow piled high, ice covering every lake (including some of Lake Superior), and evergreen trees surrounding you. On this tour four amazing clients (Judy, Michael, Karen, and Diane) and I spent time birding at Duluth, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail, Lake Superior, and of course the amazing Sax-Zim Bog. The weather was pleasant with rather mild temperatures (for Minnesota winter standards) and no major snowstorms. Unfortunately the seed crop further north had had a fantastic year, so finches were difficult to come by, but we managed to find a few! -
2021 [09 September] - Dave mehlman
PDF Report...We arrived before sunrise, driving slowly north as the first hints of light appeared on the east horizon. Within minutes we saw the outline of a large bird sitting on top of a spruce. We stopped, hoping the bird would stay put, and were rewarded when it flew to a utility pole even closer to the road – it was a Great Gray Owl! We observed the bird for several minutes, watching it fly across the road as a train passed between us. Much to our surprise, we then noticed a second Great Gray Owl further off the road. It was before 6:30 in the morning and the day was already a success with a life bird for most in the group... -
2022 [01 January] - Jacob Roalef
PDF ReportThis six-day set departure tour of Minnesota commenced in Duluth, Minnesota on the 13th of January 2022 and concluded back there on the 18th of January 2022. One tour participant arrived early enough on the 12th of January to squeeze in a little pre-trip birding around Lake Superior. The tour visited several fantastic birding locations including Sax-Zim Bog, Canal Park, Park Point, Superior National Forest, and the Grand Marais Harbor... -
2022 [06 June] - Ian Merrill
PDF ReportMinnesota, North Dakota, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming -
2023 [01 January] - Jacob Roalef
ReportAvian highlights included Great Grey and Snowy Owls, Northern Hawk-Owl, Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, Common Redpoll, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls, Canada Jay, Spruce Grouse, Great Grey Shrike, Bald Eagle, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-billed Magpie, and Bohemian Waxwing. In addition to these great species, we noted two rarities for the region, namely Trumpeter Swan and Townsend’s Solitaire. -
2023 [02 February] - Chris Townend
PDF ReportThe various forest areas in and around the Superior National Forest in Minnesota has long been known as an area with a good population of Canada Lynx (sometimes referred to as Canadian Lynx). However, actually seeing the “Ghost of the Forest” is a big challenge and one that needs perseverance! This tour had a clear focus to maximise time in the field and at a different time of year to our previous tours. -
2024 [01 January] - Lucas Corneliussen
PDF ReportFortunately, this tour was able to locate several of the amazing target birds, yielding a list of very high-quality species despite the low numbers in the region. Avian highlights included Great Grey Owl, Northern Hawk-Owl, Barred Owl, Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, Common Redpoll, Glaucous Gull, Long-tailed Duck, Canada Jay, Ruffed Grouse, Black-billed Magpie, Pileated Woodpecker, Red Crossbill, Snow Bunting, and a breathtaking experience with Bohemian Waxwing and Townsend’s Solitaire. A total of 49 bird species were recorded, along with a few great mammals, including Canada Lynx, Red Squirrel, and White-tailed Deer
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Golden Eagle Lodge
AccommodationWelcome to Golden Eagle Lodge. We've been a family run business for over 20 years. In that time, we have come to know many wonderful people from around the country who have chosen us as their wilderness retreat destination. We are exceptionally pleased with the number of repeat customers we enjoy visiting with year after year.
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Minnesota Birding Weekends
WebsiteNow in its 33rd season, Minnesota Birding Weeks & Weekends (MBW) offers unique, modestly priced birding Weekends in association with the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union (MBWeekends originated in 1986 as MOU Birding Weekends). We have now had more than 8,900 MBW registrations (MBWeeks included), a total of over 400 MBWeekends since 1986, and a composite list of 363 species we've seen in Minnesota. -
National Eagle Center - Wabasha
WebsiteFamily-friendly admission fees to our new 14,000 square-foot facility make us accessible to all. We have four resident education eagles that live in our facility, which is located on one thousand feet of Mississippi river shoreline in Wabasha, Minnesota -
Pine To Prairie Birding Trail
WebsiteWelcome to Northwestern Minnesota where a unique collection of habitats provide homes for a tremendous variety of birds. Pine forests, deciduous woodlands, native tallgrass prairie, aspen parkland, sand dunes (remnants of Glacial Lake Agassiz); calcareous fens, bogs, marshes, large and small lakes and rivers make up the transition zone that offers over 275 species of birds. Most of the sites are on public land or private reserves open to the public. There are not facilities at all sites.
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Sharon Stiteler - BirdChick
BLOGIf you’re new to my blog, welcome and thank you for visiting. I use this space as an experiment for my writing, photography (with digiscoping), videos and our podcast. -
A Boy Who Cried Heron
BLOGOver the last couple years whenever my wife or I spotted a pretty bird out the window, like a cardinal or an oriole, we always reacted excitedly and pointed it out to our son, Evan, who is now 6. While our enthusiasm faded over time, his never did. When gold finches would cover the thistle feeder day after day, they just became part of the background. Not to Evan. Each day he saw one was like the very first time – sheer excitement. As loving parents we would try our best to sound sincere and say, “Wow, would you look at that!” It was fake at worst and half-hearted at best. -
Al Batt
BLOGAl Batt of Hartland, Minnesota is a writer, speaker, storyteller and humorist. Al writes humor and nature columns for many newspapers and does regular radio shows about nature. He writes a number of popular cartoon strips that are syndicated nationally and is author of the book, "A Life Gone to the Birds." He is a columnist for "Bird Watcher’s Digest" and writes for a number of magazines and books. He is a trustee of the American Bald Eagle Foundation in Haines, Alaska. -
CabinGirl
BLOGLast updated January 2015 - Yes, I'm a Natural Sciences Geek. I read thru my Dad's entire Enc. Brit. set (in order of course) by the time I was 9. My favorite book when I was little was "Tell Me Why." (poor parents) Today I've combined my professional skills (PR) with my love of natural science as the PR Director for the Wildlife Rehab Center of Minn. I split my time between The Cities and living off the grid outside of Hovland, Minn. - just south of Canada with my very own Mountain Man, 2 large dogs and surrounded by nature. Life is good! -
Dan Tallman’s Bird Blog
BLOGBird bander, photographer, retired biology professor. -
Ecobirder
BLOGLast updated April 2017 - The goal of Ecobirder is to use photographs, facts, and stories to entertain, educate, and inspire people about the natural world around us. -
Ivars Krafts - Ivar's Birds
BLOGLast updated 2014 - This blog describes the portion of my life devoted to birds and photography… -
Laura Erickson - For The Birds
BLOGLAURA ERICKSON, 2014 recipient of the American Birding Association’s prestigious Roger Tory Peterson Award, has been a scientist, teacher, writer, wildlife rehabilitator, professional blogger, public speaker, photographer, American Robin and Whooping Crane Expert for the popular Journey North educational website, and Science Editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. -
Laura Erickson - Twin Beaks
BLOGLast update September 2017 - The first blog by birds for birds… although I suspect that Laura Erickson has a hand in it… -
Lynne - Hasty Brook
BLOGLast updated 2011 - Minnesota birding mostly at Lynne's little bit of heaven - hasty brook… -
Penelope Hillemann - Penelopedia: Nature & Garden in Northfield, MN
BLOGLast updated January 2017 - Penelopedia is about birdwatching and other encounters with wildlife … nature, weather and phenology … and local food, sustainable agriculture and gardening. Welcome… -
Roger Everhart - Minnesota Birdnerd
BLOGI'm just a guy interested in birds, ecology, environmental issues and a variety of other topics that make my life quite eclectic. You never know what might show up on this blog. I live in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota with my lovely wife and 3 great kids. To make ends meet, I teach high school science.